Peace Corp Master's International (PCMI)

Available to Fall and Spring incoming students, the PCMI program uniquely prepares students to fulfill challenging Peace Corps field assignments in developing countries. While attaining a Master's degree in Public Administration (MPA) and carrying out the Peace Corps mission, students gain valuable leadership experience.

How It Works

PCMI students typically enroll for two to three semesters on the MIIS campus to complete core classes, focused electives and foreign language requirements (if required).

PCMI students then fulfill 27 months of Peace Corps service (3 months of training in country followed by 24 months of service).

Upon completion of service, MPA PCMI students return to the MIIS campus to complete a capstone project and other courses needed for graduation.

The Peace Corps Assignment

MPA Peace Corps volunteers work with local, national, or international nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) that deal with youth, social services, community asset-based development, or the environment. Typical projects include:

Increasing an NGO's organizational capacity and sustainability

Creating strategic and funding plans

Raising public awareness of an NGO's mission

Conducting community outreach

Recruiting, training, and motivating NGO volunteers

Developing mission statements, bylaws, and other documentation

Increasing the quality and effectiveness of an NGO's services

The Capstone Project

During their Peace Corps service, students maintain contact with a MIIS faculty advisor as they conduct research and gather information for a Capstone Project related to their Peace Corps assignment. The Capstone Project is presented in the student’s final semester in order to meet the Institute's MPA degree requirements. Capstone project planning begins in the first semester of study and is overseen by a faculty advisor. Students will then conduct research for their Capstone while on assignment, ensuring that the academic work is related to the successful completion of their Peace Corps mission.

Scholarships for PCMI Students

PCMI students who return are guaranteed a half-tuition scholarship for their final semester of study. The scholarship is dependent upon successful completion of the Peace Corps assignment. Students may also apply for merit scholarships and financial aid for their studies at the Institute prior to Peace Corps service.